Furnace Troubleshooting tips to keep the cold at bay.

January 15, 2013

With the colder winter weather approaching, Ontario homeowners should be considering the condition of their home’s furnace. Is it working properly? Furnace troubleshooting can save you a lot of money and ensure the safety of your family. There are a number of things you can do to detect problems or even prevent them from starting. Keep in mind, however, that many of the problems you detect will require the training and equipment of a professional to actually repair.

Odd sounds: The first step in furnace troubleshooting is to listen for any strange sounds. If you have trouble with the belt and the pulleys, you might hear a thumping or clunking sound. If there’s a grinding or clicking sound, you might have an electrical problem related to the relays.

Scaling: Scaling produced in the furnace is a side effect of the combustion process. As these deposits build up, the scale can block the flow of gas into the burners. Scaling problems can also increase the likelihood of rusting by trapping moisture in the area.

Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas produced during the combustion process. It’s important to the safety of your family to prevent any carbon monoxide build up inside your home. Ensure that you have provided adequate ventilation for your furnace. In addition, you should install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the living spaces in your home, particularly near your bedrooms. Place them at eye level, as this gives the most accurate reading.

The key to furnace troubleshooting is to approach it systematically, addressing each possible problem one by one.

Eye level for a CO Detector? The majority of CO Detectors I have seen plug into an electrical outlet on the wall of a home. With the exception of a kitchen, or bathroom, most outlets are located at knee level. Is it time to employ more electricians, to ensure that outlets are placed at eye level? In the bedroom, would that be considered to be while standing, or horizontal in the bed?